The aging ash handling system at Tutuka Power Station needed refurbishment. AEG Construction was hired to supply and install a new 2.3 mile long control system for the ash conveyor belts, which is the longest at Eskom. The conveyors require water to be doused at intervals to prevent ash from blowing away, but too much water can cause the ash to stick or congeal. The 12-month refurbishment project was completed during AEG's transition to AGE Engineering and included project management, PLC engineering, installation, and commissioning using 78 man-months of effort. The client was pleased with the efficiency of the new system, requiring little repair work for the control system.

1. MATERIALS HANDLING Tutuka power station Ash handling system refurbishment

2. Ash handling system refurbishment The ageing ash handling system at ESKOM's Tutuka Power Station near Standerton was in need of repair and AEG Construction were called upon to supply and install a new control system for this conveyor - at 2 x 3.8km ESKOM's longest. One of the main characteristics of the ash conveyors is the consistency of the ash - which has to be doused with water at regular intervals otherwise it would blow away. However, if there is too much water it has a tendency to stick to the conveyor or congeal at the various transfer towers. The ash handling system consists of a crawler mounted ash stacker and a spreader. Communication with the base station was over a radio link with repeater stations. This 12 month project - executed during the transition from AEG to AGE Engineering - included the Project Management, PLC Engineering using a ModiconA Series PLC, installation and commissioning of the system and comprised 78 man-months effort The client is again very pleased with the efficiency of the system. So much so that their technicians have to attend rebriefing sessions in the system as they rarely have to carry out any repairs to the control system AGE Technologies Contact us 011 869 3925 www.age.co.za